Boston Belongs to Kenyans, but American Men Serve Notice

By FRANK LITSKY
New York Times
Published: April 18, 2006

BOSTON, April 17 — The Kenyans Robert Cheruiyot and Rita Jeptoo were the winners of the 110th Boston Marathon on Monday. Nothing unusual for Kenyans.

American men finished third (Meb Keflezighi), fourth (Brian Sell) and fifth (Alan Culpepper), and two others were in the top 10. Most unusual for Americans.

Keflezighi's finish was the highest by an American since Gary Tuttle was second in 1985. Three Americans had not finished in the top five since 1982. Five Americans had not finished in the top 10 since 1985.

Those achievements came in the era before Kenyans began to dominate the most prestigious marathons in the world. Kenyan men have won 14 of the last 16 Boston Marathons, and Kenyan women the last three, and six of the last seven. American marathon officials and coaches have been trying to raise their program to the highest international level, and the results here delighted them. The runners were pleased, too.

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Rob